CSUSM Alternative Spring Break Combines Service, Learning

CSUSM Alternative Spring Break Combines Service, LearningFifteen students and three staff members from Cal State University San Marcos volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans, LA, the week of their spring break, March 29 through April 4. The youth volunteers are participants of Collegiate Challenge, Habitat for Humanity's year-round alternative break program.The Collegiate Challenge program is one of the many programs Habitat has to engage youth ages 5 to 25 in Habitat's work. During the week of March 29, 2010, the CSUSM students helped a family in need of a simple, decent and affordable home. "I am excited about the opportunity to spend my spring break making a difference to help a family achieve homeownership," said CSUSM Collegiate Challenge participant Cole Tran. "This will truly be a memorable spring break." "Students have a number of options to consider for their school breaks, and we are so grateful for their interest in volunteering their time with Habitat," said Desiree Adaway, Habitat for Humanity senior director of volunteer mobilization. "Their efforts will help provide homes for so many families in communities across the country."Along with working with Habitat for Humanity, the Alternative Spring Break group explored the city of New Orleans. During the group's free time, some of their activities included a New Orleans Hornets NBA game, a dinner/jazz cruise on the Mississippi River and touring areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.Associated Students Inc. at Cal State San Marcos has organized Alternative Spring Break trips for the past six years, this year will be the seventh annual trip. Students apply in the fall semester and the group that is chosen is prepared prior to spring break, learning about the area they will be visiting and working with Habitat for Humanity.